Why the Wii U Gamepad is the Best Controller Ever

Oprainfall writes:

"Move over waggling and flailing in front of the TV. Forget oversensitive tablets that absolutely suck for gaming. The Wii U Gamepad is just about everything you want in a controller, and is the best video game controller of all time."

[ArmGunar]

In my opinion, the best is the 360 controller.

[animegamingnerd]

the 360 controller is good but the d pad kills it

[guitarded77]

Yeah, people can rip on the Wii U all they want, but once you spend some time with the Wii U Gamepad, it's almost a letdown to go back to a regular controller. There could definitely be some improvements made like putting in headphone output jack to the bottom of it, and having pressure sensitive triggers would be nice, but I love the Wii U Gamepad... it's freaking awesome.

[UnholyLight]

I have no issue with d pad. I also don't understand why anyone does. The d pad is something you almost never use. The strengths of the controller outweigh that one little thing so much I would say it EASILY beats the DS3 at it's own game. A d pad is hardly a reason for a controller to be no good

[hduce]

The gamepad is more comfortable than I thought it was going to be. I thought that I would play Black Ops 2 with the pro controller but the gamepad is a better fit for me. When I go back to playing Black Ops 2 on the 360, the pad feels small and awkward. At one point I thought the xbox360 controller was the best ever made but the gamepad is king to me. Its one of those things that you need to spend time with it to really understand. The only thing missing from the gamepad is analog triggers.

[crusadernm]

Noo. The 360 controller is the best. It is so ergonomic. You can play for hours and your hand won't get cramped up like whenyou use the PS3 controller. Plus the Wiiu pad is so expensive. Not practical.

[Jobesy]

@UnholyLight, you don't understand why the 360's dpad is less than desirable because I'm guessing you're not into fighting games like MK, MVC, SF, etc. In fighters the use of the dpad is essential and performing delicate combos with a dpad where all sides are connected is not accurate and thus not preferable.

[dubberman]

I adore the 360 controller but there is something about it don't like and im not really sure what it is. Maybe it's the size because it does feel small in my hands but im one of the few that preferred The Duke controller on the original XBOX, compared to the S-Type . Probably a reason why i agree with the article with the WiiU gamepad being the best ever.

It has a great size that fits snugly in the hands. It has damn near perfect weight to it, for me at least and something that i never thought i would like but i prefer the symmetrical analog sticks. Its just so much easier to press buttons without actually moving your thumb from off the stick. With the staggered of the 360 controller you do have to move your thumb away from it. Though it may not seem like much, that split second could mean the difference between life and death...in a game of course.

The WiiU Pro controller, basically a copy of the 360 but it has the Nintendo experience behind it. Been doing it for nearly 30 years now (and yes i feel old saying that) and that definitely shows in both controllers. I just wish though, that with the Pro Controller they moved the face buttons to the right about 1cm so they are aligned like they are on the standard Gamepad.

As i said, i adore the 360 controller but whatever it's missing, the WiiU Gamepad has it. Except for analog triggers which to be honest, doesn't really bother me at all though i know it has it's critics. For me, it has no faults. Yeah it's take time getting use to the fact there is a screen there as well the standard affair of inputs, as well as the symmetrical analog sticks. Give it 30 minutes, 3 games in CoD to get use to it all and you'll never look back.

[metroid32]

YOUR RIGHT All these so called hardcore gamers don't even like trying new things,some hardcore gamers ???

GAMEPAD is by a country mile the best controller EVER.

[hellvaguy]

I have medium hands and the duke was the most comfortable, ever. Now all the controllers are sized for adolescent teens and small asian dudes.

I never had any use for an improved d-pad because I stopped playing 2d fighters like 10-15 years ago. I would like to see bigger controllers next gen.

[MegaLagann]

Love the 360 controller...minus the God awful d-pad.

[UnholyLight]

It baffles my mind that anyone can downvote you ArmGunar. It just feels so much better than any other controller I have ever used. I stand beside your statement and countless others in the industry. The Xbox 360 controller is a vaunted piece of gaming awesomeness.

[hduce]

The down votes are due to the rampant fanboyism that plagues this site. I can guarantee that most of the disagrees are from people who don't own the Wii U or spent significant time with it. They seem to go in defense mode when something positive is said about a console that they don't support.

[BullyMangler]

dude if something as simple as how the game-pad is the ultimate handheld controller over a 360 controller baffles you, then you must not own a wiiU gaming-pad ... . making the wavebird the second in command, THEN the xbox 360 controller . . then . facts of comfort my good man, facts of comfort

[BullyMangler]

this aint no opinion, but a fact that the wiiU game-pad is better for gaming than a Vita .hoh hohh

[madjedi]

"this aint no opinion, but a fact that the wiiU game-pad is better for gaming than a Vita "

Jesus talk about fucking stupid, a double negative and claiming your opinion is a fact.

About the response i would expect from the mindless facebook user. Stop expecting the machine to do all the work for you.

Used move, ds3, wii and a 360 controller and i like the ds3 the best, but that is just my opinion.

Anytime someone proclaims something the best anything ever, it automatically lowers any further claims they make to borderline i just pulled this out of my ass level credibility.

[user3915800]

Spend sometime n it? what time? This thing its huge, baterie last 2 to 3 hours depend on game and you constantly has to look at it when playing n console its like having a gigantic DS. Let me be simple the pad suck, the visuals are poor due to low resolution, its too big for kids 9 below and it does not bring any enhancement to the console at all. I know I hated, I cant stand it, besides multy players always wind about the thing, so take it back Nintendo your so call advanced pad its garbage.

Top 3 controllers
xbox 360
PS2
rEGULAR NES tEE-HEE}

[deadfrag]

YOU ARE JUST A HATER!

[BullyMangler]

ha ha haaa .. . . . Nintendos gamepad lasts only 2-3 hours? . .awww . now who in the bloody earth would want to be plastered for more than 2 hours? ..hoh hoh hoh

the visuals are poor due to low esolution? ha ha haa . so you are saying that games looka BAD, because it has low resolution? . .ha haa. now that makes sense? .. hee heee .

the pad is too big for kids 9 and bellow? . oh the horrorr!! . haa haaa you jelous uh somthin? hee hee

p.s. haa haaa haaaaaaa i just proved you WRONG .hoh hoh hoh

[kirbyu]

I think you may mean GAMECUBE!!!!!

[Benjaminkno]

Yeah that's what I said.

Xbox has the GAMECUBE controller!

[kirbyu]

Dude, I was just joking.

[metroid32]

Your opinion means nothing the 360 pad is equal to a classic pro wiiu pad,the gamepad is king of the controllers by a long long way.

[kirbyu]

You mean the D-pad? Cause the 360's d-pad sucks.

[LOL_WUT]

;)

[3-4-5]

yea 360 is the most comfortable and naturally fitting.

Second best is Gamecube controller.

[WeAreLegion]

It's a great controller, but I wouldn't call it the best.

The DualShock 2/3, Xbox 360 Pad, N64, and Move controllers are my favorites, so far.

[guitarded77]

Which is best is subjective, and can/will be different for everyone, but looking at it from a function/form perspective, DualShock has lasted for 3 console generations with improvements being made each gen. I know some don't care for the triggers, but the DS is the most comfortable controller for me.

I like the 360 controller too, but I have to keep the chatpad on it all the time for it to be comfortable for me.

As I said in another post above, I love the Wii U Gamepad is brilliant, but there could be some improvements made.

[profgerbik]

Exactly for me the gamepad is not comfortable I cannot speak for others but I personally don't think it is that comfortable especially when I have been playing it for hours and I don't like the design layout.

Like I said maybe it's my big monkey like hands but regardless I just prefer other controllers over the Wii U's gamepad. I would take the pro controller over that thing any day.

This last comment is not directed at you but these die hard fans in general, no need to get all mad. Sorry my hands aren't built like yours and my idea of comfortable may differ from yours as well.

[MasterCratosKong66]

i have big hands and consider the gamepad to be the best fit for my hands. i played w a 360 controller yesterday and it scared me how weird it felt to have my fingers completely envelop the controller. though to each his/her own

[Zhipp]

I agree with guitardad, it all comes down to personal preference. I was a late adopter of the PS2, and I could not stand the DualShock controller. The sticks, the triggers, and the buttons all felt extremely uncomfortable to me(and still does). The Classic Controller Pro on the Wii feels a little better to me, but I don't like that either. I do like the Gamecube, Xbox360, and Wii U controllers, though.

[PopRocks359]

GameCube controller is still my personal number 1. Loved playing Melee on that thing. Dual shock is a close second and the Wii U gamepad in third.

[Blastoise]

Gamecube controller was awesome. A little ugly but it was super comfortable. My faves are probably the dualshock 3, Gamecube & maybe the original Xbox controller.

[deep_fried_bum_cake]

How could you like the original Xbox controller? It was a poorly layed out brick with a wire.

[ZoidsRaven]

Gamecube is my favorite one too.
I hope the Wii U pro controller works well with Smash bros. U. 7_7

[FinalomegaS]

Great Dpad and 4 face buttons with the 4 other top. I can see options for SB control... Grab button ( cheapness )

[Knushwood Butt]

GC controller was good but I don't like those triggers that you have to push all the way in until they click, and some of the button placement; was it the Y and Z buttons? Can't remember.

[YoungPlex]

The Gamepad is an excellent controller that has yet to show its true potential. I don't know if it will become the best controller but it certainly will cause waves once its true potential is exposed. ZombiU did a great job in showcasing what is possible on the Gamepad, I want more developers to take it to the next level. I can't wait to see what Platinum games does with Bayonetta 2 and The Wonderful 101; I also can't wait to see what Monolith Soft does with X. I've played Rayman Legends and am pleased with what they've done so far, and am dying to see what the next new Zelda title will bring to the table. It's going to be interesting to see if innovation will prevail a second time around...

[profgerbik]

True potential? It just streams via the Wii U, the gamepad itself is not doing much.

Not much potential to push other than developers just making sure they make good integration between upcoming games on the Wii U to the gamepad. That is about as far as it's potential will ever go and sadly the gamepad is not even multi-touch so that leaves even more room for limitations.

[--Onilink--]

I dont understand why people make such a big deal about multitouch, the only reason it matters on a phone game is because it doesnt have buttons... I cant really think of anything important regarding the wiiu gamepad touch screen that cant be done properly

[DivineAssault]

prevail to who? the casuals?? No1 wants to use gimmick control features but having em i guess is all nintendo can rely on..

[MegaLagann]

Gamecube and Saturn are still my favorite controllers, but the Wii U is up there.

[kostchtchie_]

hard to pick my favorites are

super Nintendo pad
Ps2 controller
and the Dreamcast

[profgerbik]

I prefer the Dreamcast's controller, maybe it's because I have big hands but I never remember having a single complaint to come up with when using it.

I just don't find the Wii U controller comfortable after long usage, especially when you might have to hold it with one hand after a while that gets daunting because it's so big and lop sided in terms of weight, sure it's light but like I said over time you begin to notice it.

I really don't like how the analog sticks are above the buttons and d-pad also it just feels awkward after so many years of every controller not being that way.

Just being honest, I personally think they could have designed the controller a little better.

[Brasi1989]

My personal Top 3:

#3 X-Box 360 Controller
#2 WiiU Gamepad
#1 GameCube Controller

I prefer the larger controllers as they don't make my hands cramp.

[Kane22]

wait, isn't the GameCube controller small.

[Brasi1989]

Yes it is smaller, not sure why it's my favorite though. Just feels good and I like the button layout. I was a big fan of the XBOX fatty too.

[wishingW3L]

how can you like the button layout when it didn't even work well with most games except for Nintendo's? 1 huge button on the center and other small ones around it is the very definition of bad design.

I remember when I tried to play Megaman collection on it, it was the worst of the worst. Playing Capcom vs SNK was literally impossible and the triggers were so hard that after awhile your fingers would hurt!

And not to mention the C-button, it was sooooooo awful! The small D-pad would cut your thumb too. It was so small and the edges so sharp it's crazy.

The only good thing about the controller was its ergonomic design but other than that it was one of the worst designed controllers I have ever seen. 0_____0

http://upload.wikimedia.org...

[Brasi1989]

I don't know. Like I said it just feels good and I like the button layout. I guess I like that (having larger hands) my right thumb could easily reach all of the buttons without my thumb cramping up. For example: in PS3 games that use O a lot my thumb starts to cramp up.

[Qrphe]

PS2 controller, it's the improvement of the controller that became a current standard.

[Gamer39]

It's a great and nice controller, very cool technology.
My favorite controller GC/360, best ergonomic.

The new Wii U Pro controller, cool.
http://blogs-images.forbes....

[Fel08]

I wouldn't call it the best, but it is better than I expected. When I first saw it, I thought it was going to be a clunky mess. And than I tried it, and I completely changed my mind. It's surprisingly comfortable and nice to hold.

[TongkatAli]

This.

[Gr81]

Controller was the best one to me. Hell every controller since has pretty much used the SNES as the foundation.

[Sp1d3ynut]

Dude, c'mon...that's like saying every TV today has used the RCA 630-TS as the "foundation". They share NOTHING in form, function, or technology that's worth noting.

[Gr81]

The dumbest attempt at an analogy I've ever heard boy.

[Sp1d3ynut]

LOL..."boy". $100 says I've got at least 20 yrs on you. And the analogy is fine, if you have the intellect to understand/appreciate it. ;)

[Gr81]

Touche'..Still a weak analogy..In any case, take 'boy' as a compliment then

; )

[Kos-Mos]

And let`s finish this discussion with your comment, no I`m not talking about you personal discussion, I`m talking about people who like the btox controller.
The Snes controller is the best ever made.

[arbitor365]

if you have never held another controller in the past 20 years, then yes, I can see why you would call the wii u gamepad "the best controller ever."

The wii u gamepad sucks for racing games (lacking any sort analog triggers). It is awkward in fighting games. the analog sticks are not well placed for FPS and TPS games.

anyone who says its the "best controller ever" should be embarrassed. and if you're not, allow me to feel embarrassed for you.

[MegaLagann]

I forgot opinions weren't allowed on N4G.

[lilbroRx]

They are allowed, but what you and everyone else who tries to dismiss people response to a person's opinion fail to understand is that people are just as free to have an opinion of your opinion as well as disagree with it.

[BoNeSaW23]

Your comment is a opinion about a opinion of some else's opinion!

Why did you waste our time and your opinion expressing your dislike about someone else's opinion of someone else's opinion!?! Ohhh because it's the INTERNET and that's what people do on it. Thanks for pointing that out!

[Kevlar009]

The Gamecube Wavebird imo was the best, certainly the most comfortable. The battery pack made the controller nestle perfectly in you hand, and all the buttons were close enough that you never felt like you had to reach (though the Z-button was always weird to press)

I never like PS controllers, the set-up was always awkward, never felt good for shooters, just a weird controller in general for my tastes

Haven't tried the Wiipad (Target and Gamestop don't have WiiU demoes up), though I've heard it's actually fairly comfortable, and the screen isn't too shabby

[WeAreLegion]

Question:

What do you guys think about the Wii U controller's d-pad? I absolutely hate it! It is accurate, but it hurts my thumb after about fifteen minutes. I consider the GameBoy Advance SP and the PS Vita to have the perfect d-pads. What about you?

[NeoTribe]

Duel shock 3 hands down.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

I like the controller but a lot of the time I find it troublesum and unbalanced when needing it for touch in games like ZombiU

[mamotte]

Call me crazy, but my favorite controller is the N64 "spaceship". I dont know, it had something... funny about it, maybe it was the bizarre shape it had, maybe the C Buttons (Love those buttons), maybe the Z button, wich is still one of the strangest buttons ever (But made Goldeneye a pleasure). I dont know, maybe I just love weird, bizarre things. Bad point, the bad quality of the stick, wich get loose after a short usage (But never stopped working.)

Does anyone remember the pain in the palm of your hands after a good session of Mario Party 1? I do, man. those were good times...

Just my very personal opinion, anyway.

[ZeekQuattro]

Hell yeah I remember that pain all too well but games like that made it worth it. lol

[TruthbeTold]

Speaking of N64 pain, on my first controller for it, the thumb portion of the analog stick broke off. I still played hours of Star Wars Pod Racer on it by digging my thumb into the metal. lol

[lilbroRx]

I vote N64 controller and Sega Saturn Controller second. Then the GC controller

[Benjaminkno]

360 has the Gamecube controller... duh...

[BitbyDeath]

For me it's the PS3 controller closely followed by the 360.
PS3 has the edge cause cause of the rechargable battery inside, don't like the triggers on it though.

360 is awesome too, just needs to fix up the battery issue and it'll be golden.

[strigoi814]

Coz its a tv remote also! /sarcasm

[stragomccloud]

As far as the traditional setup is concerned, The Genesis was amazing, then after that the N64. The Gamecube was my favorite until the 360 rolled around. However, now that I am a Wii U owner, the gamepad easily takes the cake. People who own the console or have actually played long enough to understand it I think would be hard pressed to disagree(with the Wii U statement anyway).

[isntchrisl]

I really like the Gamepad and the Pro Controller. They are both very comfortable and just feel right.

[Schawk]

Having used it i can say yes its the best i have used even better than the 360 controller,
having the hands spread that little bit feels much better

[SIANSLOW]

i must say that the gamepad is awesome but i'll always have a place in my heart for the snes controller